Business Scholars Program

Who Are Business Scholars?

Business Scholars are a community of talented students that participate in programs and activities designed to complement and enhance their academic program. This two year program beginning with incoming first year students creates a "learning by doing" environment for scholars who have a strong interest in pursuing business by offering insight to best practices, and its environment.

Business Scholars understand the vital role of collaboration through team-building, networking, leadership training and workshops. Partnerships with faculty and alumni are developed to enhance professional development and a high ethical standard of behavior. First year Business Scholars live together to begin this community in Drackett Tower.

What Do Business Scholars Accomplish?

Enhance Professional Development Skills

Interact with faculty and alumni through various programming opportunities including a business etiquette dinner and an ethics seminar. Formal workshops and various activities provide Business Scholars the unique opportunity to associate with business professionals early in their college careers. Including Business Etiquette Dinner, Dress for Success Workshop and Elevator Pitch Workshop.

Connect with Fisher College of Business

Business Scholars participate in Fisher Citizenship Program activities which foster personal growth, sponsor leadership development events, and encourage first year involvement in Fisher College of Business student organizations. Once Business Scholars complete all the requirements of the program they officially become "Fisher Citizens."

All Business Scholars have an immediate connection with their Business Scholars Coordinator, who supports students through their college journey, mentoring Business Scholars as they develop personally – advocating and supporting. Business Scholars also have a specific academic counselor who understands Business Scholars expectations and promotes academic balance.

Learn about the Global Business Environment

Business Scholars have the opportunity to travel to a major national business center within the United States to meet and network with Fisher alumni, visit businesses, experience cultural events and practice networking skills.

Candidates may major in any discipline with preference given to students intending to enroll in academic areas within Fisher College of Business. Candidates must have a strong passion for pursuing business, a desire to network with business professionals, an aspiration to gain knowledge concerning business career possibilities, a curiosity to understand the business culture and business environment and an interest in developing business related skills.

Business Scholars is one of 17 Scholars Programs at The Ohio State University. For application criteria and to learn about all 17 programs please visit the Honors and Scholars website

The Business Scholars Program has been created in order to address the high interest among freshman interested in business-related fields for co-curricular programming in a small selective living-learning community that is closely connected to the Fisher College of Business.

Is participation mandatory?

YES! An expectation of being a member is being an active participant! Continuation is contingent upon students meeting maintenance requirements during the first year.

Are there any leadership opportunities within Business Scholars?

YES. Business Scholars are encouraged to apply to Business Scholars Leadership Council. Business Scholars value student input and encouragement from all Business Scholars.

Can Business Scholars still apply for Honors Programs?

YES. Business Scholars who earn a 3.5 GPA or better in at least 15 hours of coursework (at OSU) may apply to the Honors Program through Fisher College of Business and still remain active within the Business Scholars Program.

Do I have to live in the residence hall?

In order to develop community, as a first year Business Scholar you must live in Drackett Tower, unless you are commuting from home.

Do I have to participate in off-campus trips?

While not mandatory, historically, most Business Scholars participate in the domestic overnight trip to a major metropolitan city.

Are Business Scholars admitted into the major program?

YES. Business Scholars is the only scholars program that is directly admitted to the BSBA major program and desired specialization, thus automatically enrolled in the FisherDirect Program.

Do I have to pursue a major in Fisher College of Business to participate in Business Scholars?

NO. Students may apply from any academic discipline; however preference for admission will be given to Business Majors.

For additional information about the Business Scholars Program please contact: